BCCI Announces Rs 51 Crore Reward After India Women Clinch Historic World Cup Title

Mumbai: In a landmark moment for Indian cricket, the Indian women’s team created history by clinching their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling finale at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday night.

The victory — powered by standout performances from Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Smriti Mandhana — sent the nation into jubilant celebration. As the players lifted the coveted trophy before a roaring home crowd, it marked a defining moment in India’s sporting history and a new dawn for women’s cricket.

Following the win, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced a ₹51 crore reward for the team and support staff, calling it a “monumental achievement that will take Indian women’s cricket to a new level.”

Echoing the sentiment, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal compared the victory to India’s 1983 men’s World Cup triumph. “It’s a red-letter day for Indian women’s cricket. What the men’s team achieved in 1983, the Indian women have recreated today in Mumbai. This historic triumph will give a tremendous boost to women’s cricket in the country, and I’m confident our game will now reach new heights,” Dhumal told IANS.

Batting first, India posted a formidable 298/7, thanks to a commanding 100-run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana (45) and Shafali Verma (87). Deepti Sharma (58) and Richa Ghosh (34) added valuable runs down the order, ensuring a competitive total despite South Africa’s late resurgence through Ayabonga Khaka’s 3/58.

Chasing 299, South Africa began brightly with openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt putting up a fifty-run stand. However, a sharp throw from Amanjot Kaur ran out Brits, sparking an Indian comeback.

From there, the bowlers took charge — Sree Charani trapped Anneke Bosch LBW in her first over, while Shafali Verma, showcasing her all-round prowess, removed Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp in quick succession. The star of the innings, though, was Deepti Sharma, who claimed a sensational 5 for 39, dismantling South Africa’s middle order.

Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant 101, the Proteas were bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs, handing India a famous 52-run win.

As tricolours waved and chants of “India, India!” filled the night sky, the women’s team stood united in tears and triumph — a moment reminiscent of 1983, yet uniquely their own.